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Set 10: Rhetorical Synthesis

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

A student is writing about the gut microbiome. The student wants to explain its importance to overall health. Notes: - The gut contains trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms. - Gut bacteria help digest certain foods and produce vitamins. - The microbiome influences immune system function. - Gut health has been linked to mental health and mood.

Which choice most effectively uses information from the notes to accomplish the student's goal?

A. By aiding digestion, producing vitamins, supporting immune function, and even influencing mood, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health.✓ Correct
B. The human gut contains trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms.
C. Eating probiotic foods can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
D. Scientists continue to study the gut microbiome to better understand its functions.

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question asks you to effectively combine information to achieve a goal. The goal is importance to overall health. Digestion, vitamins, immunity, and mood cover multiple health aspects. The correct synthesis will use relevant details from the notes in a logical, purposeful way. Focus on what the question asks you to accomplish, then choose the answer that best achieves that goal using the provided information. Effective synthesis requires selecting and combining the most relevant information to achieve a specific purpose. Not all provided notes may be equally useful. Focus on what best accomplishes the stated goal while maintaining logical coherence.

Key Evidence:

• "explain its importance to overall health"

• "help digest"

• "produce vitamins"

• "influences immune system"

• "linked to mental health"

Why others are wrong: D (Discusses ongoing research, not health importance.), B (Describes quantity but not importance to health.), C (Suggests maintaining health but doesn't explain importance.).

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